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Simsbury Community Media appeals for donations as subscription revenue falls
Summary
Representatives of Simsbury Community Media told attendees at the Town Forest Park event that cord-cutting has reduced subscription-based funding and asked residents to donate via website or QR code to sustain local programming.
A representative of Simsbury Community Media (SCM) asked residents at the event to donate after saying the station's funding based on television subscriptions has declined because many viewers have "cut the cord" and shifted to internet-only viewing.
SCM said its programming — including local government meetings, school graduations and community education — remains freely available online but the subscription-based revenue that underpins many operations has fallen. The speaker said donations would help SCM continue to serve as a local public media outlet.
"We need your support," the SCM representative said repeatedly during the appeal and urged attendees to "visit our website or scan the QR code on your screen to make your donation." The representative also said SCM has provided local programming for over 40 years.
No specific revenue figures, budget shortfalls or proposed municipal funding changes were provided in the remarks. The appeal requested individual donations and did not describe a formal town grant or budget request.
SCM emphasized the station's role in preserving local history and making civic meetings accessible. The representative said that continued community contributions would "ensure that SCM remains open, continues to educate our youth and keeps our community informed."
